Old Oakland

I, Ruben Llamas, grew up in West Oakland, 7th Street, a first generation American, born to Mexican immigrants.

FROM THE DAYS WE ALL GOT ALONG

I wrote and printed "Eye from the Edge: a Memoir of West Oakland, California"

CHANGE

Oakland's opportunities to develop our city are waiting for its people to work together to improve. The resources are available.

BELIEVE WE ARE CHANGING

• Social activities• Community needs• Local jobs• Intelligent leadership• Positive perception of Oakland

How many can you add to this?"

— Ruben Llamas

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Ruben Llamas is the only person in the Oakland Neighborhood Project who is not currently living in Oakland. His story is so compelling, however, that I had to include him. Born and raised in West Oakland, he and his wife Anita lived and worked, and raised their children around here. Back in 2012, Ruben published Eye from the Edge: A Memoir of West Oakland, California. His words paint a vivid and engrossing picture of our city: from his early days shining shoes on Broadway and living above his dad's music and barbershop, to playing baseball and staying out of too much trouble. As a young man, Ruben joined a local retail company and eventually made his way from shopping cart boy to vice president. While Ruben and Anita now live in Carmichael, Calif., their hearts are still firmly placed in Oakland, and we thank them for that.

Old Oakland

"MY OAKLAND

I, Ruben Llamas, grew up in West Oakland, 7th Street, a first generation American, born to Mexican immigrants.

FROM THE DAYS WE ALL GOT ALONG

I wrote and printed "Eye from the Edge: a Memoir of West Oakland, California"

CHANGE

Oakland's opportunities to develop our city are waiting for its people to work together to improve. The resources are available.

BELIEVE WE ARE CHANGING

• Social activities• Community needs• Local jobs• Intelligent leadership• Positive perception of Oakland

How many can you add to this?"

— Ruben Llamas

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Ruben Llamas is the only person in the Oakland Neighborhood Project who is not currently living in Oakland. His story is so compelling, however, that I had to include him. Born and raised in West Oakland, he and his wife Anita lived and worked, and raised their children around here. Back in 2012, Ruben published Eye from the Edge: A Memoir of West Oakland, California. His words paint a vivid and engrossing picture of our city: from his early days shining shoes on Broadway and living above his dad's music and barbershop, to playing baseball and staying out of too much trouble. As a young man, Ruben joined a local retail company and eventually made his way from shopping cart boy to vice president. While Ruben and Anita now live in Carmichael, Calif., their hearts are still firmly placed in Oakland, and we thank them for that.